The 2010 Saab 9-3 Aero: The Swede with Swagger
Purchased brand-spanking-new by its devoted owner in April 2011, the 2010 Saab 9-3 Aero sedan is looking for a new home. It’s got the heart of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine mated to a six-speed manual transaxle. The body is drenched in Laser Red, complemented by a sultry black leather interior complete with Parchment inserts. And oh, it’s fully loaded with the Premium Package, featuring 17″ five-spoke alloy wheels, Koni shocks, and more gizmos than a Swiss Army knife, including xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, and even a sunroof to gaze at the stars while cranking that Bose sound system. With a generous 198,000 miles under its belt, this Saab is up for grabs with all its paperwork—owner’s manual, service records, and a clean Carfax report. That’s what they call a no-reserve offer, folks!
Looking the Part
Bathed in its signature Laser Red (278), this Saab is ready to stop traffic—or at least other Saab enthusiasts in their tracks. The car boasts cross bars, headlight washers, fog lights both fore and aft, power-folding mirrors, and trusty parking sensors, all illuminated by those glowing xenon headlights. The windshield cowl plate saw a makeover in October 2022, and any pesky windshield chips were promptly handled to keep things in pristine condition.
Fun fact: Saab cars have their roots in the Swedish aerospace and defense industry, which is why their design screams “spacious cockpit elegance.”
Treading Carefully
Sitting pretty on 17″ five-spoke alloy wheels, coupled with Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 tires, this Saab offers a ride smoother than butter. Koni shocks, factory-fitted ESP, and anti-lock braking ensure you’re not just cruising—you’re gliding. In 2023, this trusty steed had its front wishbones swapped out to keep it striding strong.
It’s What’s Inside That Counts
The interior is a cocoon of comfort. It features heated, power-adjustable front bucket seats with memory settings for the driver, just in case you share the car with someone who’s a bit more seat-finicky. Cruise control, a Bose sound system, and dual-zone automatic climate control make the ride as pleasant as it can get. However, those planning a road trip with navigation might find themselves relying on their phone, as the system currently doesn’t work. Ditto for the air conditioning—they won’t blow crisp, cold air, but life’s about compromises, right?
The Driver’s Delight
The steering wheel isn’t just there to look pretty; it frames a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and other essential gauges like coolant temperature, boost pressure, and fuel level. Meanwhile, the digital odometer’s clocked a cool 198,000 miles.
Comparison: If you like the ride quality of a Kia or a Peugeot Bipper, the Saab 9-3 Aero will feel like a first-class ticket to luxury town.
The Power Beneath
Here’s where things get nerdy. The engine—a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, churns out 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Some vital TLC has been administered: a new fuel sending unit in July 2021, a fresh starter in November 2022, and an engine control module swapped in July 2024. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. The clutch assembly got a revamp in October 2022, so you’re set for more gear-shifting adventures, even while some components underneath show the inevitable signs of Father Time.
The Practical Bits
The window sticker is the cherry on top, listing initial delivery to Herb Chambers Saab in Boston, Massachusetts. Factory colors, standard equipment, options, and that tantalizing original price of $39,105 are all mentioned. To sweeten the deal? A Carfax report free of accidents or unsightly damage. Ready for the adventure? This Saab 9-3 Aero is.